Martin keen for Rayo test

23 July 2013

mkdons.com

David Martin is counting down the minutes for tomorrow’s pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano.

for five months after a back injury ruled him out of the closing stages of the 2012/13 season. Now Martin is looking forward to getting back between the sticks and seeing the Dons test themselves against La Liga opposition.mkstadiumThe Dons goalkeeper has not played at

“I don’t really know much about them but obviously they’re Spanish so it’s going to be an interesting passing lesson. We fancy ourselves as a passing team but hopefully we can pick up a few things because they’re meant to be the real deal.

“We’ll look to get the ball as much as possible and hopefully keep it as well. The Spanish are renowned for their passing ability but also their pressing ability so it will be a good test for us because a lot of teams come to our place and do the same thing so it will be a great test.”

Rayo Vallecano finished eighth in La Liga last season while the Dons finished eighth in League 1. With their own continental flair the Vallecano are set to give Karl Robinson’s side one of their toughest tests of pre-season so far.

Martin added: “Obviously if I’m playing it will be great to just get back on the pitch. I’ve been so desperate to get back there after last season. Last year just made me realise how much I love MK and how much I really miss playing on that pitch in front of the fans.”

The 27-year-old played only his second game of pre-season on Sunday when he kept goal in the friendly against Plymouth Argyle. Earlier this month he was withdraw in the early stages of a match against Leighton Town, but the ‘keeper is hoping he his back to fitness just in time for the new Sky Bet League1 season.

“After months out with my back injury I was always going to pick up little niggles but it’s just good to get back out there and it makes you realise how great it is to be a footballer and have the lifestyle we have.

“It was just nice to get the feel of a ball again in a match situation. The distribution side of it is great because it feels like I can just slot back in but normally decisions like straight balls and crosses are the ones you lose first as a goalkeeper so it’s just about nailing them down as soon as possible.

“When that first day comes we’ve got to be ready and raring to go.”

Tickets for tomorrow's game, kick-off 7.30pm, are available from the MK Dons Box Office, thecentre:mk or by calling 01908 622900.